paul wood

So retired aged 50-55 with full pension, nice group Paul

Nice to have an image of the recipient. Paul

It appears therefore that he received His LSGC subsequent to his NI clasp (unless he got demoted) the NI clasp was not authorised until 1971, so it suggests he was serving subsequent to 1971. Paul

He certainly never got commissioned (checked) and given after 15 years he only got up to Bombardier he probably didn't get much further (maybe made Sergeant on leaving so it would boost his pension) His clasps cover the period roughly 1962-71 which means he probably joined in the late 50's given that he must have served a couple of years prior to receiving his CSM, may well have been a National Service who decided to stay on. It's probable that there are Ex RA men who knew him, given his name is not rare I doubt if you will get very far with ancestry. All the best, Paul

From the period involved only next of kin can obtain the service records an this will probably be the case for 15-20 years. Paul

Very few I would guess. Possibly Bertrand would have records Paul

http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilafrancada It is Portuguese and commemorates those who were loyal to Joao VI at Vila-Francada. Paolo Estrela's book Orden E Condecoracoes Portugesas 1793-1824, Tribuna 2009 Goes in to quite a bit of detail about the medals (P. 207-08). Yours is a nice example of a quite scarce medal, especially nice to have the original ribbon. All the best, Paul

Almost certainly a Royal Recipient, probably one of the many families who sought refuge in France after the 1st or 2nd World War. Paul

Radmilo, Thanks for reminding us about Queen Marie's set Paul

Nice Bertrand Star 1914-21, the designs for the star (and the badge) in diamonds is illustrated in Car and Muhic's book on Serbian Orders Page 219. A major rarity, the price of 15.5k Euros does not surprise me in the least. Paul

Megan, You are of course correct Thanks, Paul

Nick, Thanks so much, your help is much appreciated. Sorry you are having problems posting and it seems with the old images, despite various dates given, it's a bit like waiting for Godot Hope to hear more of you. All the best, Paul

A knight's ribbon from the Luxemburg Order of the Oaken Crown might do the job. Paul

I am a bit stuck with this medal I wonder if any members have any suggestions. Thanks in advance. Paul' alt='' class='ipsImage' width="497px" height="750px">">' alt='' class='ipsImage' width="497px" height="750px">"> ' alt='' class='ipsImage' width="497px" height="750px"> ' alt='' class='ipsImage' width="497px" height="750px">

Looks similar to the British Army LSGC ribbon. Paul

On no 5 is there any engraver's name on the medal, not totally clear from the image, if so there is a chance it might be identifiable. Alas we knew a very knowledgeable collector of Belgian commemorative medals but alas he has gone to the great collectors gallery in the sky. Paul

Probably no one will recognise them as sailors. I hope that at least they keep the traditional uniforms for parades and displays. Paul

Looking at it again, the ribbon certainly looks of some age, the problem with these pieces is generally (although not always) they are not marked in anyway and unfortunately many of the buyers of these sort of pieces are not particularly knowledgeable and rely on 'so called' experts who make quite a decent cut. The trouble is if one of them, for what ever reason, decides they don't like a piece, whether it is genuine or not, then the others tend to follow sheep like and the piece is condemned for eternity. Certainly a provenance, preferably documented would be of great help (and better images). Paul

I have always liked the Normandie medal, keep showing us the medals as they are most interesting. Paul

Having known Christian for several years I can certainly vouch him being a thoroughly nice guy Paul

Could it not just be a jewellery case I has seen several similar in Jewellery auctions. Paul

These were awarded into the 20th century, I know that some were awarded for the emperor's visit to Toulon. The worrying bit is the non-Christian eagle for every genuine one there are dozens of copies. the images are not clear enough to be certain, however if the award can be provenance to a Japanese recipient then there is a reasonable chance that it could be right (various awards of Russian orders were given to Japanese recipients at the time of the Boxer rebellion. All the best, Paul

Thanks Michael, A good price, I suspect it will be winging its way to Canada. Paul

Garth the second piece is a variation which I have never encountered before most interesting, as well as the explanations provided. Paul

Michal If you have a price for lot 460 I would be most grateful Paul